Scabies of the Cat. 



959 



(Fig. 146). Hand in hand with this process the hair falls out 

 on the diseased parts, while the skin itself becomes thickened 

 and w^rinkled. In severe cases the eyelids swell and purulent 

 conjunctival catarrh sets in. Owing to swelling of the aire of 

 the nostrils breathing becomes difficult, the animals become 

 emaciated and die of the disease in 3 to 6 months. 



Dermatophagic Scab. (Ear mange.) This manifests itself 

 by similar symptoms to those in the dog (see page 956) but 

 occurs very seldom. 



Diagnosis. The localization of the skin disease leading to 

 the formation of crusts in the neighborhood of the ears and 

 on the head is characteristic of the affection; the microscopical 

 examination of 

 the crusts, in 

 which the mites 

 are present in 

 great quantity, 

 makes the dis- 

 ease easily rec- 

 02'nizable. 



Treatment. 



Since cats will 

 not stand wash- 

 ing and bathing, 

 the treatment is 

 limited to the 

 use of ointments 

 which can be re- 

 moved by rub- 

 l)ing with dry 

 bran. The best 

 ointment is that 

 of Helmerich 

 (sulphur sublim. 

 suilli 60.0 gm.). 



Sarcoptic mange in the cat. 



150 gm., potassium carb., 8.0 gm., adeps 

 The treatment of small surfaces with 

 Peruvian balsam has afforded good results, but this remedy 

 may cause severe symptoms of brain irritation, and even death, 

 especially in an extensive spread of the disease (Schindelka, 

 Frohner). Styrax (with 4-5 parts of alcohol) can also be used and 

 is less dangerous. Schindelka always found sulphur in oil effec- 

 tive. Carbolic acid and tar preparations are to be avoided on 

 account of their poisonous effects on cats. Mange of the cat 

 is transmissible to man, horses, cattle and dogs ; one must there- 

 fore take care to isolate the affected animals. 



The ear mange necessitates cleansing of the ear passage 

 with Peruvian balsam and glycerine, aa, or naphthol oil. 



Literature. Dinter, S. B., 1862, 99.— Kobne, Mag., 1868, 288.— Megnin, 

 Eec, 1863, 68.— Schwartz, Eep., 1875, 165. 



